UK Government Considers New Regulations on Workplace Monitoring Technologies
The UK government is exploring new regulations that would require employers to consult with workers before implementing workplace monitoring technologies, such as AI-powered productivity scoring, keystroke logging, and biometric surveillance. This initiative is part of the broader Make Work Pay reforms and aims to address transparency, accountability, and the impact of technology on workers. The consultation, which runs until September 30, seeks to determine whether non-statutory guidance, a statutory code of practice, or legal requirements for employer consultation with trade unions or employee representatives are necessary. The government highlights both the potential benefits of workplace monitoring technology (WMT) in terms of productivity and economic growth, and the risks it poses to privacy, autonomy, and fairness.